Buying a new laptop some tech help please.

[DFBrews]

The no mans sky thread proved we have some computing knowledge on here.


Finally upgrading my faithful laptop that has been alive since 2006. That even with a fresh install Windows 7 can't stream a YouTube video full screen anymore
I need something new ish that can do some heavy photo editing and cad work sessions. No gaming as I don't have time.
size isn't an issue bigger screen the better really no towers and full HD screen is a must
Budget is 700 out the door


There is a used Dell Inspiron i7559-763BLKi can buy off a coworker for 600 that comes with the a an extra 8gb of ram and 1tb hardrive

[Great-Kazoo]

Min of 4GB RAM. That's not a bad deal. I would look at wallyworld. They are selling some laptops at same or lower price with warranty.

[Delfuego]

If you're gonna do CAD and photo editing, I would recommend something with more power for graphical applications. Memory bandwidth for video makes manipulating 3d models and photo/video images much more pleasurable and efficient. I recommend the Dell Precision models. The laptops are good and much more reliable than the consumer level Inspiron models. They also come with a 3 year warranty. If you plan on keeping this laptop as long as you last one (10 years!) I wouldn't skimp. We generally recommend replacing hardware in 3-5 year cycles. Any longer and you are asking for trouble. Remember the failure rate of computers is 100% over time. If you wait too long it can be a nightmare and you will end up spending more money to recover a failed computer than if you budgeted to replace it on a schedule.

Don't get too caught up in the "specs" like CPU and memory. Just because 2 machines feature the same CPU and RAM doesn't mean the are comparable. There is a reason business workstations are more expensive than Best Buy computers...

For friends, or non business clients I send people to look at Dell Outlet for refurbished or scratch and dent workstations. They still come with 3 year warranty and you can save a bundle. http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&brandid=2803&fid=9977&fid=4929&fid=4928&fid=9981&fid=1947&fid=9910&fid=866&fid=919&fid=2058&fid=8540&fid=1067&fid=8542&~ck=mn

[gnihcraes]

If you're gonna do CAD and photo editing, I would recommend something with more power for graphical applications. Memory bandwidth for video makes manipulating 3d models and photo/video images much more pleasurable and efficient. I recommend the Dell Precision models. The laptops are good and much more reliable than the consumer level Inspiron models. They also come with a 3 year warranty. If you plan on keeping this laptop as long as you last one (10 years!) I wouldn't skimp. We generally recommend replacing hardware in 3-5 year cycles. Any longer and you are asking for trouble. Remember the failure rate of computers is 100% over time. If you wait too long it can be a nightmare and you will end up spending more money to recover a failed computer than if you budgeted to replace it on a schedule.

Don't get too caught up in the "specs" like CPU and memory. Just because 2 machines feature the same CPU and RAM doesn't mean the are comparable. There is a reason business workstations are more expensive than Best Buy computers...

For friends, or non business clients I send people to look at Dell Outlet for refurbished or scratch and dent workstations. They still come with 3 year warranty and you can save a bundle. http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/InventorySearch.aspx?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb&brandid=2803&fid=9977&fid=4929&fid=4928&fid=9981&fid=1947&fid=9910&fid=866&fid=919&fid=2058&fid=8540&fid=1067&fid=8542&~ck=mn

good advice there.

[BushMasterBoy]

Dell Laptop? get a work station, professional grade. I bought refurbished by Dell, got a Dell M4500 and Dell M4600. paid about $450 each, both quad core cpu's. Both from EBay "Dell Financial" seller. All they have listed at the moment is a M4700 Precision at $420. Dell Outlet is a good source too, but still pricey. I will never buy a "Consumer Grade" computer again from a retail store again. Also with a 12 volt adaptor, and Delorme Topo software plus a GPS dongle I have a GPS system for the truck that puts everything else to shame. Nothing can compare to a 15 inch screen with topograhical 3 D mapping showing even every USFS fire road.

http://stores.ebay.com/Dell-Financial


https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/precn/en/precision-m4500-specsheet.pdf

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/precn/en/precision-m4600-specsheet.pdf

http://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/Documents/Dell_Precision_M4700_Spec_Sheet.pdf

[Delfuego]

Dell Financial is a good deal, but be aware that these are "Off-Lease" and are not going to have the 3 year warranty (30-90 days). For me it wouldn't be an issue, because I do this stuff for a living and my labor is essentially free. Think of it in respect to what type of vehicle you would recommend to a friend, versus what you might buy for yourself.

[DFBrews]

Good call On going professional quality I have been out of the game for a long time. We use thinkpads at the shop and They do well usually

I have built towers during the past in the early 2000's when 2gb of ram and a 100 gb hd was an expensive build.


I put a bid on that eBay listing the 1000 plus for the store ones isn't in the budget right now.

[DFBrews]

Won the dell m4700 for a balmy 420 bucks

going to upgrade the ram to 8 gun and maybe put in a ssd.

Thinking patriot for the ram but there are lots of other options.

[BushMasterBoy]

Just a note on the Dell. Don't upgrade to Windows 10 free from Microsoft. The download will fail and you will have to find a Windows 7 restore disc from Dell. I don't know what is wrong with the Windows 10 free upgrade, but it don't work. Maybe OK with a complete install disk from Microsoft. Nice thing about Dell is the Dell Restore disc will work with any Dell product that originally had that OS installed.

For example Ebay Item #282047206270

[DFBrews]

Just a note on the Dell. Don't upgrade to Windows 10 free from Microsoft. The download will fail and you will have to find a Windows 7 restore disc from Dell. I don't know what is wrong with the Windows 10 free upgrade, but it don't work. Maybe OK with a complete install disk from Microsoft. Nice thing about Dell is the Dell Restore disc will work with any Dell product that originally had that OS installed.

For example Ebay Item #282047206270 (tel:282047206270)
I'm still running xp on my current laptop and am planning on only running 7 on this one

[Delfuego]

Windows 10 free upgrade is over now. Additionally I have not had an issue upgrade OEM install Dell computers to Win10.

[HoneyBadger]

I'm still running xp on my current laptop and am planning on only running 7 on this one
Windows 7 is solid. Don't bother with 10.